Attaching leaders with the cats paw knot

[Ravin]

I have a few dramas at times with knots as my fingers aren't 100% after working in the engineering game for years. Sometimes I struggle to tie uni knots especially in 2 kilo trace. Lately I have been trying something new which makes things a bit easier for me. I have been using a short double tied with a bimini twist in my mainline & I have several traces pre made & cut to length which also have a short double tied with a bimini on one end. I join the 2 using the cats paw knot with the leader not the mainline. Wet it well & draw it tight & it is a very good join. I find the main section of the leader always goes before the knot does. I find replacing leaders very easy now & if one is damaged I snip it off very close to the knot & spread the loop in the main line & pull off the remains of the knot. Then its just a matter of looping another leader on. The biminis are a smooth knot & dont clatter in the guides. It has made life a lot easier for me & if your fingers aren't so great it may be worth a try.

[panger]

That's a great idea. Saves on trimming back your fireline each session too. I tried using it for heavier leaders as well, but the bimini in the leader gets a bit too clunky through the guides nice and smooth. Might try it without the bimini but with the doubled line all the way to the lure. Probably could go down in leader strength then too.